South Africa: MEC for Social Development, Ms Motlagomang “Mamiki” Qabathe, had an introductory meeting with Chairpersons of different Civil Society Organisations in the Free State Province.
In her opening remarks, the MEC laid a foundation for this engagement as aimed at roping in Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in addressing Social ills such Gender Based Violence and Femicide, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Gangsterism, Teenage pregnancy, etc.
Department of Social Development wants to ensure that CSOs look beyond over-serviced needs and also prioritise areas that are under-serviced. Furthermore, ensuring that there is tangible transformation and diversity in the sector.
The MEC emphasised that there will be a need to redefine roles and responsibilities as well as processes in which the CSO sector will collaborate with the department as well as refining the working relationship.
Many Civil Society Organisations were established for the purpose of fighting and advocating against the spread of HIV/AIDS, but with many Social ills facing our Province, there is a need for new NPOs that will tackle other Social Ills.
The Department’s Chief Directors outlined their areas of focus which included; Chief Financial Services, Corporate Services, Districts and institutions, Social Welfare Services, Specialist Social Services, as well as Community Development and Partnerships.
A question and answer session ensued, which assisted CSOs in getting clarity and ironing out some differences that existed. This engagement is part of initiatives that the Department of Social Development will use to reach the communities it serves to ensure that it delivers efficient and effective services.
